Centre for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems

CUDOS brings together a powerful team of Australian and International researchers in optical science and photonics technology, our efforts will lead to significant advancement in the capabilities and knowledge in this crucial field.

The optical chip works in a similar way to noise cancelling headphones. The chip uses photonics – like electronics, but using light – to cause the light from the star to cancel itself out, highlighting the tiny signature of orbiting planets.

Unlike conventional interferometers, the chip is flat so it does not wobble, made of special glass so it does not absorb the light it is supposed to collect, and light enough to be put into orbit cheaply.

PhD student Harry-Dean Kenchington Goldsmith, who built the chip at the ANU Laser Physics Centre, said the technology works like thermal imaging that fire fighters rely on to see through smoke.

"The chip uses the heat emitted from the planet to peer through dust clouds and see planets forming. Ultimately the same technology will allow us to detect ozone on alien planets that could support life," said Kenchington Goldsmith.